Youth Art Festival coming to Dillsboro

The 6th annual Youth Arts Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

The popular festival features local and regional artists demonstrating their skills and sharing their love for their art. In addition to glassblowing, blacksmithing, pottery, and other demonstrations, artists will work hands-on with the children to make pots, weave bookmarks, create glass mosaics, paint with tennis balls, and much more. The stage area will feature local musicians and dance troupes, and the GEP Trash Dragon will make a few appearances, as well. Aspiring artists can also help decorate several of the large rainwater collection tanks used at the greenhouses.

The GEP is an award-winning project that uses landfill gas and other renewable energy resources to fuel a variety of art studios and other efforts. There is no entrance fee to attend the Youth Arts Festival and all art activities are free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.